Man Discovers Hidden Oasis in Mall and Makes It His Home for 4 Years Unnoticed
In the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, a remarkable tale unfolded that captured the imagination of many. It all started in 2007 when a man named Michael Townsend found himself without a home. Michael had been residing in a charismatic warehouse loft situated in the vibrant art district of Providence. Sadly, as progress bulldozed its way through the neighborhood, Michael and his friends found themselves fighting a losing battle against the new developers.
Meanwhile, a colossal mall development project was underway in the city. Spanning an impressive 1.4 million square feet, the $500 million Providence Place Mall boasted 160 stores, aiming to become a shopping haven for the community. Curiosity led Michael to explore the construction site day after day, and he stumbled upon a peculiar space that piqued his interest.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the mall’s construction, there was an enigmatic area that defied explanation. A room that appeared to serve no purpose, abandoned and forgotten amidst the bustling mall environment. Michael couldn’t shake the feeling that this space held unimaginable potential.
Moved by inspiration and undeterred by the challenges ahead, Michael, along with his seven friends, embarked on a daring project they called “Trummerkind,” meaning “Children of the Ruins” in German. Their audacious plan? To live inside Providence Place Mall for just one week. As they pondered their temporary living arrangement within the mall’s walls, Michael’s memory of the mysterious void he had discovered years before resurfaced.
The space they stumbled upon within the mall was approximately 750 square feet – prime real estate, free for the taking. However, there was a catch; there was no plumbing or electricity readily available. Undeterred by these limitations, the group ingeniously found ways to wire in electricity from hidden areas in the mall. Backpacks and buckets became their tools for carrying out junk, while blankets, silverware, water, and even a couch were sneakily brought in.
To maintain their secret abode, they built a wall to conceal their living space, and a plain white utility door cleverly camouflaged their oasis from prying eyes. Extension tables connected to an old TV and a PlayStation were powered from inside the mall, offering the group a semblance of entertainment. Although they lacked running water, they managed their restroom visits by utilizing the movie theatre bathrooms late at night.
Their secret mall condo was a testament to their resourcefulness and adaptability. They moved in a big China cabinet, added a couch, several tables, and, of course, video games. The question that lingers is how they managed to remain hidden for so long without raising anyone’s suspicion. As it turns out, the mall’s bustling atmosphere allowed them to blend in seamlessly, coming and going without anyone noticing their true purpose.
The first rule of their secret mall condo was to keep it secret. They created a tight-knit community, adhering to their clandestine lifestyle. Remarkably, they thrived in their hidden haven, often staying in the mall for weeks at a time. They reveled in the freedom and camaraderie that this unconventional home offered them.
But as all good things must come to an end, after four years of covert living, their secret world was shattered. In 2007, their sanctuary was violated when their utility door was kicked in, and some cherished possessions were stolen. Regrettably, they couldn’t turn to the authorities for help since they were technically trespassing. It was a heartbreaking turn of events, leaving them no choice but to bid farewell to their extraordinary home.
The story of Michael Townsend and his friends is a testament to the power of resourcefulness, adaptability, and the human spirit. They created something remarkable out of an abandoned space, finding solace and belonging where least expected. Though their time in the secret mall condo came to an abrupt end, their story continues to inspire those who seek inventive ways to shape their lives.
Reflecting on the Journey
Michael and his friends took an otherwise disused space and transformed it into a hidden gem, reminding us that beauty and possibility often lie in unexpected places. Their tale serves as a reminder to embrace ingenuity and appreciate the hidden treasures that surround us.
Looking back, it’s astonishing to contemplate the audacity and determination that led them to build their secret world within the mall’s walls. They embodied the pioneer spirit, finding joy and camaraderie amidst the challenges they faced.
While we may never find ourselves creating secret condos in malls, their story reminds us that there are always opportunities for innovation and creativity in our own lives. We can draw from their experience, tapping into our own resourcefulness and seizing the moments that bring us closer to our dreams.
Let us celebrate the spirit of adventure and embrace the unexpected, just as Michael and his friends did during their extraordinary journey in the secret mall condo.
